The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.778 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, raising concerns and discussions among lawmakers over funding mechanisms and the Commission’s financial autonomy.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed the figure on Thursday while presenting the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal and the estimated cost of the 2027 elections before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.
He clarified that the election budget is separate from INEC’s N171 billion proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, which will fund routine operations such as by-elections and off-cycle polls.
“The projected cost for the 2027 elections excludes a fresh request by the NYSC for an upward review of allowances for corps members deployed as ad-hoc election staff,” Amupitan said.
Budget Breakdown
According to the INEC chairman, the proposed election budget—approaching N1 trillion—is structured into five major components:
N379.748 billion for operational expenses
N92.317 billion for administrative costs
N209.206 billion for technology
N154.905 billion for capital expenditure
N42.608 billion for miscellaneous items
He noted that the proposal complies with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates submission of election budgets at least one year before a general election.
2026 Budget Proposal
Amupitan revealed that the Ministry of Finance issued INEC a budget ceiling of N140 billion, but the Commission proposed N171 billion to meet its obligations.
The breakdown includes:
N109 billion for personnel costs
N18.7 billion for overheads
N42.63 billion for election-related activities
N1.4 billion for capital projects
He criticised the envelope budgeting system, stating that it does not reflect INEC’s operational realities.
“The envelope budgeting system does not align with the Commission’s operational realities, which often demand urgent and flexible funding,” he said.
Need for Independent Communications Infrastructure
Amupitan also identified the absence of a dedicated communications network as a major challenge.
“Developing an independent infrastructure will enhance transparency and enable Nigerians to hold the Commission accountable in the event of technical failures,” he added.
Lawmakers Raise Funding Concerns
Lawmakers at the session expressed concerns over funding mechanisms for the electoral body.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that INEC’s constitutional role requires flexible funding.
“Given INEC’s sensitive constitutional mandate, its budget should not be subjected to rigid external frameworks,” Oshiomhole said, urging the removal of the envelope system.
Similarly, Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru advocated placing INEC’s budget on a first-line charge to ensure timely releases.
The Joint Committee subsequently approved a motion recommending the one-time release of the Commission’s annual budget and indicated it would examine the N32 billion request to raise election duty allowances for corps members to N125,000.
Legislative Assurances and Caution
Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Simon Lalong, assured the Commission of legislative backing for adequate preparations.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Bayo Balogun, cautioned INEC against overpromising.
“Be careful how you make promises,” Balogun warned, referencing expectations created during the last general election regarding real-time result uploads to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal.
He noted that the portal was not part of the Electoral Act but only included in INEC regulations.
The developments highlight ongoing efforts to ensure adequate funding and improved transparency ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
